10 greatest goalkeepers of the 21st century

#7 VICTOR VALDES

Victor Valdes enjoyed a good spell with Barcelona

Barcelona's glorious spell under manager Pep Guardiola highlighted the brilliance of the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi, but Victor Valdes was an important part of the side as well.

The Spain international often went under the radar, despite making over 500 appearances in all competitions for the club since his debut in 2002. One of Barcelona's best ever goalkeepers, Valdes was renowned for his agility and concentration in front of the goal.

He left Barcelona in 2014, after a serious injury. He had spells with Manchester United, Middlesbrough and Standard Liege, retiring in 2017. In 2019 he was appointed as manager of Barcelona's Juvenil A side but was sacked three months later.

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#6 JENS LEHMANN

Jens Lehmann was one of the best in the world in his prime

A member of Arsenal's 'Invincibles' side who would play every game of that season, Jens Lehmann is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers to have played the game.

After making more than 300 appearances in all competitions for his boyhood club Schalke 04, the Germany international moved to AC Milan, before returning to Germany to play for Borussia Dortmund. He moved to Arsenal in 2003, where he would become an integral part of Arsene Wenger's system.

After leaving Arsenal in 2008, Lehmann played for Stuttgart and briefly returned to Arsenal, retiring in 2011. He holds the record for most consecutive clean sheets in the Champions League, not conceding a goal in 10 consecutive games for the Gunners.

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#5 EDWIN van der SAR

Edwin van der Sar is currently the chief executive officer at Ajax

David de Gea's predecessor at Manchester United, Edwin van der Sar set the benchmark for the Spaniard in terms of performances.

Van der Sar joined the Red Devils aged 34; before that, the Netherlands international had enjoyed phenomenal spells with the likes of Ajax, Juventus and Fulham. A calm, composed presence, van der Sar saved Nicolas Anelka's penalty in the 2008 Champions League final to help Manchester United beat Chelsea.

Edwin Van Der Sar comes out of retirement to make a penalty save on his amateur side debut, absolute legend. pic.twitter.com/0f6s9mWVe2

— Alex Turk (@AlexCTurk) March 12, 2016

His final game for Manchester United was against Barcelona in the 2011 Champions League final; the Red Devils lost 3-1. He subsequently retired, and is now the chief executive officer at Ajax.

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#4 PETR CECH

Petr Cech in Arsenal colours

One of Premier League's greatest, Petr Cech was a dominant presence in English football during his prime.

After a good spell with Rennes, Cech moved to Chelsea in 2004 for €9.8 million, where he would establish his legacy. The Czech Republic international made 494 appearances in all competitions for the club, and would go on to become Chelsea's all-time record holder for clean sheets, with 228.

Petr Cech's incredible save in 2012 FA Cup final. One of his best ever? pic.twitter.com/cqmZZpmAo4

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 15, 2019

He left Chelsea after Thibaut Courtois became the club's first-choice keeper, moving to Arsenal for €14 million. After four seasons with the club, he retired in 2019. The 38-year old is currently a technical and performance advisor for Chelsea.

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